Sancta Maria Abbey, Nunraw

Sancta Maria Abbey is a monastic community located at the foot of the Lammermuir Hills in East Lothian, built with stone walls, pointed arches, and traditional monastic architectural forms. The complex reflects Gothic design principles throughout its structures and materials.

The monastery was founded in 1952 when monks from Mount Saint Joseph Abbey in Ireland established a new community and commissioned architect Peter Whiston for its design. Construction developed over the following years as the complex took physical form in the Scottish landscape.

The monks maintain a structured daily schedule centered on liturgical celebrations, with dedicated periods for personal prayer, contemplative study, and manual labor.

It is advisable to check in advance which areas of the complex are accessible to visitors, as parts remain reserved for the community. The grounds are most pleasant to walk through during daylight hours when you can properly explore the structures.

Although construction took place between 1952 and 1970, the original abbey church was never completed according to its intended design. This incomplete aspect reveals how the community's vision and plans evolved over time.

Location: East Lothian

Location: Haddington

Inception: 1952

Architectural style: Gothic architecture

GPS coordinates: 55.92130,-2.65190

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:05